Motorcyclist killed in Lubbock collision

A charred and still burning motorcycle lays at the intersection of North University Avenue and FM 2641 following a deadly wreck that occurred shortly before noon Tuesday.

Mickle Gilbreath, 63, was severely burned over much of his body when his motorcycle went up in flames shortly before noon when he crashed it into a pickup truck, Texas Department of Public Safety Cpl. John Gonzales said.

Gilbreath was rushed to University Medical Center, where he died two hours later.

He was traveling north on North University Avenue when he ran into the back of a pick-up sitting at a stop sign at the intersection of University and FM 2641, just north of the city limits.

Gonzales said troopers believe the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed. The impact of the crash caused the motorcycle's gas tank to erupt and ignite, setting Gilbreath and his bike on fire. He was pinned under the motorcycle while waiting for medical help.

It was unknown if Gilbreath was wearing a helmet - a helmet was found in a field near the wreck.

Gonzales said it was the worst wreck he's seen in a while.

He urges motorcyclists and other drivers to be cautious on the road and to watch out for other drivers, especially since there has been a rash of motorcycle fatalities in Lubbock this year.

Eight motorcyclists or motorcycle passengers have been killed on Lubbock streets this year, which is double the motorcycle fatalities in 2007.